The BC Autism Funding program unfortunately does not come close to meeting the needs of those children afflicted with autism. Rather than taking responsibility for autism funding under the Ministry of Health where it belongs, the BC government has created a partial funding approach through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
What kind of funding will they provide?
In a nutshell, the government provides for $22,000 for children under 6 after which they remarkably better their abilities because the all knowing government parcels out only $6,000. Once the child reaches 19, the funding stops because the individual is miraculously cured!
The funding program allows for 20% of the funds (i.e. $4,400 for children under 6 and $1,200 for those 6 and over) to be used for equipment and training. I would recommend you use this as much as possible. The reason is that the BC government will pay for such costs, but the feds won’t allow them as medical costs. This is about getting the biggest bang for your buck.
Are these funds taxable?
No, they are not.
Are these funds means tested?
No, they are not.
Who provides these meagre services?
The application process begins with your local Ministry of Children and Family Development office. Some services are delivered by the Ministry of Children & Family Development (MCFD) and still others by Child Development Centres.
More Information
- A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs This handbook will give you good information about the Autism Funds Program. The rest of it you may want to take with a grain of salt.
Autism Funding in BC 